Make: Beretta
Model: 687 EELL
Serial Number: E97456B
Year of Manufacture: 1988 AT date code.
Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4" and 3" Shells
Action Type: Top-break, over/under single selective inertial trigger with ejectors. The safety does not automatically re-set.
Markings: The upper tang: "E97456B". The left side of the receiver: "P.Beretta". The trigger plate: "PATENTED Mod. 687 EELL" and is signed "Bottega C. Giovanelli". The bottom of the receiver: "GARDONE VT ITALY". There are a few proofs on the watertable. The right side of the receiver: "P.Beretta". The butt pad: "KICK-EEZ". All sides of the receiver, the lever, trigger guard, tang, and screws are beautifully engraved with floral engraving while the receivers display different fowl scenes. The jeweled steel in the forend is marked "97456". The barrel set: "P.Beretta-Gardone V.T. Italy PB 20 GA 3" MAGNUM-28", all the usual Beretta proofs, "EXCELSIOR-HIGH STRENGTH ALLOYED STEEL", "B97456B", "AT", "BERETTA USA CORP. ACKK, MD MADE IN ITALY".
Barrel Length: 28" with Mag-Na-Port style porting.
Choke: The barrels are threaded for Beretta MOBIL chokes currently installed Modified over Improved Cylinder. Also includes Improved Modified and Full. 4 total chokes.
Sights / Optics: Affixed to the front of the rib is a Bradley style front sight with white bead. There is also a small silver mid bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two-piece checkered walnut with a round profile finger shelf forend and a semi pistol grip, straight comb, stock with a rubber butt pad. The length of pull is 14.75" the cast is slightly right handed. The drop at comb is 1 3/8ths" and the drop at heel is 2 3/8ths". The shotgun weighs 5lbs 14OZ. The right side of the wrist next to the level shows a chip and a compression. There are no cracks. The rest of the wood shows a few minor compressions and surface level lines. The butt pad is soft and pliable. Overall the wood is in Fine+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and coin with a gold toned trigger.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bores are mirror bright. There is no erosion in the bores. The bores show barely visible lines from use and some barely visible plastic fouling. In this writer's opinion the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains approximately 98% of its metal finish. The receiver shows only minimal signs of wear. The barrel sets show minor scattered marks and some wear that is concealed when assembled. The engraving is beautiful to see in person. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine+ condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The action locks up tight with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun includes the 4 chokes, Beretta blue lockable case, 2x 20 gauge snap caps, 2x choke storage tubes, choke wrench, stock wrench, 2x screws, additional Kick-EEZ butt pad.
Our Assessment: This Beretta 687 EELL was manufactured in 1988 and is an exquisite 20-gauge over under featuring 28-inch barrels with 3-inch chambers and Beretta Mobil chokes. The barrels have been enhanced with tasteful Mag-Na-Port-style porting, and the sighting plane is completed by a Bradley-style white front bead and a small silver mid bead. Weighing a mere 5 pounds, 14 ounces, the shotgun is exceptionally lively in the hands, making it an ideal companion for upland hunting where quick handling and light weight are prized. The 687 EELL is widely regarded as one of Beretta's finest field guns, combining impeccable mechanics with graceful Italian styling.
The shotgun is stocked with beautifully figured, high-grade walnut that perfectly complements the receiver's masterful engraving. The action is adorned with scenes of ducks, a woodcock, and grouse and bears the signature "Bottega C. Giovanelli," a mark of the artistry that distinguishes Beretta's premium grades. Together with its featherweight handling and elegant appointments, these details elevate this 687 EELL beyond a mere sporting arm to a true work of functional art.
